The B.I.G.* Summit a Resounding Success

Orlando, Inc., welcomed 500 business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and Leadership Orlando Class 84, to The B.I.G.* Summit, presented at Full Sail Live on Thursday. The outstanding presentations included keynote speaker, Jeremy Gutsche, Founder of TrendHunter.com; Jessica Jackley, Founder of Kiva; Jayson Whitmore, Co-Founder of Royale; and Brian Meece, CEO of Rockethub, as well as presentations of The B.I.G.* Awards.

"This powerful day of learning and idea sharing, discussing new opportunities and forging new business relationships is about building a strong and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem right here in our region," said Leslie Hielema, President of Orlando, Inc. "The B.I.G.* Summit has become the premier event for entrepreneurs and business leaders across Central Florida."

Topics covered everything from trends in crowd funding to the use of technology in culture, ads, design, social good and more. In sharing her life journey, Jessica Jackley, Founder of Kiva, built her microlending website in response to her mission to alleviate poverty. "Of the people I met along the way, I saw full hands offering me what they had, not empty hands waiting for me to fill them," said Jackley. "Know yourself first, listen to others, and then co-create solutions that will succeed."

Above left: Waymon Armstrong Founder and President of Engineering and Computer Simulations, Inc and Chair of Orlando, Inc..

Jeremy Gutsche, Founder of TrendHunter.com, energized the crowd with a lively presentation on how to unlock the power of the latest trends for your business. "Cool is unique, cutting-edge, and viral," said Gutsche, citing many examples of companies who take risks to stay ahead, and those who have failed because they stayed in their comfort zone. "Culture eats strategy for breakfast," he continued. "Chaos equals opportunity."

As part of their eight-month program, the members of Leadership Orlando Class 84 participated in The B.I.G.* Summit to learn more about the strong entrepreneurial cluster that is based in the Orlando Economic Center. Exclusive only to Leadership Orlando class members was a private luncheon session with Summit Speaker Bret Lockett, former NFL New England Patriot, model, recording artist and entrepreneur. He is a partner in Mobli, a technology and social media company, and works closely with organizations like "Looking Forward" and the NOH8 Campaign.

Above left: A panel on Mobile Business Trends includes Carol Cox, InterMedia Solutions; Jody Haneke, Haneke Design; and Bret Lockett, Mobli; was moderated by Joshua Johnson, Learn Everywhere. Above right: Bret Lockett speaks at a private event to members of Leadership Orlando Class 84.Click here to view more photos from this event.

Building on its successful track record, The B.I.G.* Summit reached new heights in education, entertainment and engagement for entrepreneurs across Central Florida, and showcased to the "sold out" crowd the state-of-the-art campus of Full Sail University which has built a reputation as one of the premier art, music, and film schools in the world. Where better to showcase the creativity and innovation of entrepreneurs right here in our region!